Is Knee Pain Disrupting Your Run or Ride? Chiropractic Can Help!
Knee pain on the outside of the knee is a common problem for runners, cyclists, and even people who aren’t very active. If you’re feeling discomfort or sharp pain in this area, you could be dealing with Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS). As a chiropractor with 20 years of experience in treating musculoskeletal issues, I’ve seen many patients who suffer from this condition, often not knowing the root cause. The good news is that chiropractic care can provide long-lasting relief by addressing the underlying causes of ITBS and not just the symptoms.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome occurs when the iliotibial band (ITB), a thick tendon that runs along the outside of your thigh, becomes irritated as it rubs against the lateral femoral condyle (the bony part of your knee). This friction leads to inflammation, causing sharp or throbbing pain, especially when walking, running, or cycling.
Many people assume this is just a knee issue. However, in my years of practice, I’ve found that ITBS is often caused by more complex problems, including poor spinal alignment, muscle imbalances, and improper biomechanics from the feet up to the hips. Addressing these root causes is essential for effective and lasting treatment.
ITBS is often triggered by overuse or repetitive movement, making it common among runners, cyclists, and other athletes. But it’s not just limited to athletes. Individuals with poor posture or muscular imbalances can also develop ITBS. Here are some of the most common causes:
Chiropractic care is uniquely suited to treat ITBS because we focus on correcting the root causes rather than just treating the symptoms. When a patient comes to me with knee pain caused by ITBS, my approach involves a comprehensive assessment of the spine, hips, and lower limbs to ensure that all contributing factors are addressed. Here’s how we tackle ITBS:
Misalignment in the spine or pelvis can have a cascading effect on your entire lower body, throwing off your walking or running mechanics. By correcting any spinal or pelvic misalignments, we help ensure that the body functions as it should.
We thoroughly assess the strength and flexibility of muscles throughout your lower body, focusing on the glutes, hip abductors, and lower limb muscles. Myofascial trigger point therapy and targeted stretching exercises are tailored to each patient’s needs to correct any imbalances.
For most ITBS patients, releasing tension in the ITB through specific myofascial release techniques is essential. We’ll also teach you how to use foam rollers properly to help maintain flexibility in the ITB at home.
Running form is a big contributor to ITBS. We assess your running mechanics and provide advice on how to correct bad habits, like over-striding or running on uneven surfaces, that can worsen ITBS.
Postural corrections are a key component of ITBS treatment. We’ll also advise you on the best footwear for your specific biomechanics. Running with the wrong shoes can worsen ITBS, so it’s important to get an expert opinion.
ITBS is preventable when you understand the factors that contribute to its development. As a chiropractor who has treated many cases of ITBS, I recommend the following adjustments to prevent further flare-ups:
Chiropractic care addresses the underlying causes of ITBS, such as poor posture, muscle imbalances, and misalignments in the spine and pelvis. Other treatments may only focus on the symptoms, offering temporary relief.
Yes! By correcting spinal alignment, muscle imbalances, and foot mechanics, chiropractic care can help prevent future ITBS flare-ups. We also provide specific exercises and posture corrections to maintain long-term results.
In some cases, custom orthotics may be recommended, especially if foot problems like flat feet or excessive pronation are contributing to your ITBS. If these issues can’t be corrected with exercises, I’ll refer you to a podiatrist for further assessment.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome can be a painful and frustrating condition, especially if it keeps coming back. At my chiropractic practice, we take a holistic approach to treating ITBS by addressing not just the knee but the entire kinetic chain that affects how your body moves. With 20 years of experience, I can help you not only recover from ITBS but also prevent it from happening again. If you’re struggling with knee pain and want to take the first step toward long-term relief, call us today at 012 654 2510 or visit us at 1026 Saxby Ave, Eldoraigne, Centurion.
Let’s get you back on track—pain-free!